Ken Erickson: "Stockman" - Lineage, Heritage & Tradition

Thanks for the positive comments on this set of stockman's. I really do appreciate them.

This was a fun set to build. I made the dark brown bone first, completed it, then made the second. I made a few very subtle changes on the second knife. The blade profile on the light bone version is just a bit wider, with the clip a tad shorter, slight radius and the swedge cut in a bit different. The frame profile is also just a tad wider, less slender than the first knife. I was a bit surprised when I put the knives on the scale. First one came in at 2 3/4 oz. with the second(light colored) knife coming in at 3 oz.
Thanks Elliott for giving me the opportunity to follow up the cattle knife with a stockman:D

Here are a few additional pictures.

imgp6711edited1.jpg


imgp6727edited1.jpg
 
Thanks for the additional photos and description Ken. I did notice that some of the grinds and swedges looked a litte different, but I figured that it was just the light.
 
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Rob,

Good eye! I have said it before but it still amazes me. .010 here and there does not sound like a lot, but in the aggregate those tiny differences can make a huge difference. :eek: I am constantly trying to refine and re-evaluate my eye when it comes to building these knives.

Ken
 
Because of the difference in the swedging on the main clip I actually thought the dark brown one was maybe several years older! Both exceptional, but Ken, you really nailed the newer swedge on the tan bone.

I admit to having a weakness for equal ends, and the cattle knife in the OP is a truly outstanding example. Congratulations to both Ken and Elliott.
 
These are some of the finest stockman knives I have ever seen! As usual, Ken's jigging and color on the bone handles are without equal. I am really curious how he gets that jigging to almost look slightly pocket worn. Both are perfect! Congrats to Ken and Elliott!
 
that bone is the most definitive handle of what we conjure in ole timey knives. the pattern itself stands as the most definitive statement of americana pocket knives. thanks for the great pics.
dennis
 
I don't know what I could say that adds to the accolades, but Ken, your cattle and stock knives are just some of the most beautiful knives in the world. And Elliot's efforts as a midwife deserve praise as well. Thanks to the both of you!
 
Three amazing examples of the cutler's craft!
And the bone is simply wonderful.

I'd have to dig out a thesaurus to find more adjectives to describe those beauties! Big congrats to Ken and Elliott!
 
Thanks to all for all the comments and insights. It's very rewarding to read. :cool::thumbup:
 
ken erickson said:
Rob,

Good eye! I have said it before but it still amazes me. .010 here and there does not sound like a lot, but in the aggregate those tiny differences can make a huge difference. :eek: I am constantly trying to refine and re-evaluate my eye when it comes to building these knives.

Ken
Click to expand...

And I must say that calibrated eye of yours is sharp as ever!
 
More complements on Ken's great looking stockman and cattle knife. His knives are always stunning. And that is just from looking at pictures. I imagine feeling one walk and talk is quite pleasurable.
 
Lookit what you guys get up to when I'm away!! I can't leave you alone for a minute!!:D

Two beauties, Ken!! And Old Blue(s), you are a lucky dog!! I'm envious as all get out! Happy for you, but envious!:rolleyes:

Nicely refined design, esp. number 2 - just exquisite!
 
WOW... when i see these excellent knives i feel a little jiggy.... jiggadelic.... jig-o-riffic..... jig-a-docious... jigtastic... jigmanic.... they look jig-o-licious...:thumbup:

the french would call them 'LE JIG' and likely place both in the louvre as a testiment to the JIGNORMOUS contribution to mankind and western culture.

in years to come people will always associate the erickson name as the jiggantuan among cutlers. this is not simply a revolution... it's a jig-o-lution.

i like the pics... thanks for sharing :)
 
Nice job, as always. :)

Looks like I'm gonna have to break out the voodoo doll and arrange a little "accident". Just a couple of broken fingers or something..... Just kidding. :) Those are way too nice.
 
What really stands out to me is the jigging on the bone of the new stockmen. It is really getting top notch and makes the rest of the knife stand out
 
Elliot,
I see no signs of hard use on that cattleknife? And you have owned it for years!
That is THE traditional knife for me just because of the pattern and the bone.
BUT There is no doubt that those stockmans are among the finest knifes on this earth together with the cattleknife. Im amazed how beautiful they are. And I was kidding, These knifes mabye arent for hevy use, Would be like having a rembrandt in the kitchen.

Ken.
You are indeed one of the true great artists of slipjointmaking. The eye for detail and the fingertop softness in the patterns. One can see a tremendous patience in your work. I have only seen pictures of slipjoints of this class (and even the pictures is rare) But I have seen my share of scandinavian outstanding handmade knifes and I know the difference in consumtion of time doing the best there is. I salute You and is amaized of your work.

Bosse
 
Amazing tributes to the tools of our hardworking predecessors. Done with perfection as is Ken's constant trademark. Hats off to Elliott and Ken and thanks for sharing. :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
 
NirreBosse said:
I see no signs of hard use on that cattleknife? And you have owned it for years!
Click to expand...

Bosse, isn't it amazing how Ken's original image never seems to age?!? ;)
(And to be accurate, it hasn't been nearly that long! C'mon now, let's be a little fair. :p)

I want to thank you all for these truly gratifying comments. :thumbup:
I'm sure Ken's hat size went up a couple of notches overnight. :D
 
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